Gay men warned about rise of “extremely drug-resistant” STI
A British health agency noted an increase in antibiotic-resistant Shigella infections among gay and bisexual men
Gay and bisexual men are being warned about increasing rates of an “extremely antibiotic-resistant” sexually transmitted infection.
The United Kingdom’s Health Security Agency is raising the alarm about Shigella, a gut infection that can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, rectal cramps, bloody stool, dehydration, and fever.
Specifically, the UKHSA has “detected a rise in cases of extremely antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM).”
Between Sept. 1, 2021. and Jan. 10, 2022, the UKHSA reported 47 cases of the antibiotic resistant Shigella sonnei strain. The UKHSA has been monitoring the strain since 2018, but warns that “recent cases show resistance to antibiotics is increasing.”
Shigella is spread through contact with feces that contains the bacteria, such as through anal sex, rimming, or via unwashed hands.
The bacteria is “very infectious,” UKHSA warns, noting that only a “tiny amount of bacteria can spread the infection.” Symptoms typically appear between one and four days after exposure and can be mistaken for food poisoning.
While symptoms usually subside within a week without treatment, requiring only rest and fluids, some people experience symptoms for four or more weeks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Those in poor health or with weakened immune systems, such as people living with HIV, are more likely to experience symptoms for longer periods of time. Prolonged and severe infection can lead to the infection spreading to the blood, which can be life-threatening.
While Shigella can be treated with antibiotics, shortening the duration of symptoms, the rise of an antibiotic-resistant strain increases the risk of complications should hospitalization be required, with only limited effective treatments available, the UKHSA warns.
Potential complications include dehydration, seizures, bloodstream infections, rectal prolapse, and toxic megacolon, among others.
“Practicing good hygiene after sex is really important to keep you and your partners safe,” Dr. Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, said in a press release. “Avoid oral sex immediately after anal sex, and change condoms between anal or oral sex and wash your hands with soap after sexual contact.”
Godbole advised gay and bisexual men to not ignore any symptoms that could be Shigella, and to instead speak to a healthcare provider.
In addition, Shigella infection could occur alongside other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, which is why Godbole recommends a full sexual health screen should Shigella symptoms develop.
“If you have been diagnosed with Shigella, give yourself time to recover. Keep hydrated and get lots of rest,” Godbole said.
“Don’t have sex until seven days after your last symptom,” Godbole continued, “and avoid spas, swimming, jacuzzis, hot tubs and sharing towels as well as preparing food for other people until a week after symptoms stop.”
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The CDC estimates that 77,000 antibiotic-resistant Shigella infections occur in the United States each year, with gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men among those more at risk of infection.
In order to reduce contact with poop during sex, the CDC recommends washing hands, genitals, and anus with soap and water before and after sexual activity, including after touching a condom. Sex toys should also be washed with soap and water after use, as well as hands after touching used sex toys.
In addition, the CDC recommends using barrier methods — such as condoms and dental dams — during all forms of oral, vaginal, and anal sex, as well as latex gloves during fingering or fisting.
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